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Product Details:

Metroid: Samus Returns

A Charge Blast From The Past

by Ben Reeves

Concept:

Samus journeys to planet SR388 to explore its puzzle-laden caverns and eradicate the Metroids once and for all in a remake that feels remarkably new

Graphics:

MercurySteam was clearly inspired by the sharp designs of the Metroid Prime series, and these environments remain rich with detail

Sound:

Metroid's synth-like soundtrack is so haunting that I recommend isolating yourself with a pair of headphones for the full experience

Playability:

Samus has a greater aiming range than ever, and the action remains engaging thanks to her new melee counter

Entertainment:

A steady drip of upgrades and collectibles ensures that exploring the alien-infested planet of SR388 won't grow tiring anytime soon

Replay:

Moderately High

The original Metroid pioneered a new breed of exploration-based gaming. It was a non-linear experience that allowed players to traverse eerie alien landscapes, slowly amassing an ordnance of new weapons and tools that would help them overcome both environmental obstacles and combat challenges. Metroid's formula was so strong that - even 30 years later - its influence on the industry is still felt. Games like Axiom Verge, Ori and the Blind Forest, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night can all trace their heritage back to Samus' first steps on the planet Zebes. However, despite the many challengers to Metroid's throne, Samus Returns proves that Nintendo still understands the formula best.

The game picks up right after the events of the first Metroid. Intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran must travel to the Metroid homeworld of SR388 and eradicate the alien species before they can be turned into biological weapons. This 3DS title is technically a remake of the Game Boy title Metroid II: Return of Samus, and fans of the original will recognize certain enemies and environments, but Samus Returns features so many fresh ideas that it feels like a completely new adventure.

One of the big new additions to the franchise is a melee counter system that allows Samus to stun enemies with well-timed button counters that expose their weak spots and leave them vulnerable to a quick finish. This counter makes the moment-to-moment action more engaging than past 2D Metroids, and it keeps you on your toes because you never know when some creature is going leap from the shadows. Whenever I missed a counter, I knew it was my fault, but I loved finding the perfect flow in combat and hitting two or three counters back-to-back then wiping out a screen's worth of enemies in seconds.

Brave the hostile terrain of an alien planet teeming with vicious life forms as legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran. Her mission? Terminate the Metroid menace in this masterful reimagining of her 1991 Game Boy adventure. Samus Aran's arsenal has been enhanced with new moves and abilities that are sure to help her face the deadly surprises that await. This intense, side-scrolling action platformer is a great entry point into the Metroid franchise and perfect for returning fans as well, and it's available only on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Features:

This intense, side-scrolling action platformer has been completely remade with engaging and immersive 3D visuals and a rich, atmospheric color palette.

Classic Metroid II: Return of Samus gameplay is joined by a wealth of new content, including a set of brand new abilities that utilizes a mysterious energy resource called "Aeion," a powerful melee counterattack, and 360-degree Free Aim Mode.

There are plenty of secrets to find - and if you uncover enough of them, you may even start to unravel the mystery of Planet SR388's past.

Two new amiibo figures* - Samus Aran and Metroid - will be released as a set alongside the game. This game is also compatible with the Zero Suit Samus and Samus amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. series. Functionality details will be revealed at a later date.